UEFA fine five clubs over UCL crowd trouble

BERNE, Switzerland, Sept 7 (Reuters) - European soccer's
governing body UEFA has fined five clubs over crowd trouble
during the final qualifying round for the Champions League.

Belgium's Anderlecht were hardest hit as UEFA fined them
20,000 Swiss francs ($16,526) after fans threw missiles and
attempted to invade the pitch during their second-leg defeat
against Turkish side Fenerbahce in Brussels on Aug. 29.

Fenerbahce, who went through 3-0 over the two legs, were
fined 8,000 Swiss francs for their supporters setting off
fireworks.

'We accept the fine and are just happy that UEFA did not
demand that we play our (Sept. 20) UEFA Cup match against Vienna
behind closed doors,' Anderlecht said in a statement.

'We are very disappointed with the behaviour of these fans
and have endeavoured with the police to identify them and have
them punished. We are also working with the police to make sure
this does not happen again in the future.'

UEFA's disciplinary committee made no mention of racist
behaviour at either match despite media reports of chanting by
Anderlecht, Fenerbahce and Lazio fans.

Red Star Belgrade were also fined 10,000 Swiss francs by the
committee after their supporters threw missiles during their
qualifier against Rangers, which ended in a 1-0 overall victory
for the Glasgow side.